4 Essential Video Recordings By Baritone Mariusz Kwiecien

https://operawire.com/4-essential-video-recordings-by-baritone-mariusz-kwiecien/

Polish baritone Mariusz Kwiecien has delivered some of the finest performances of the past decade, cementing himself as one of the greatest singing actors of his generation. Born on Nov. 4, the baritone has explored a wide-range of repertoire, always showcasing nuance in both his singing and his acting. He started his career back in native Poland before becoming a {…}

Interviews, Stage Spotlight

Q & A: Countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo on Pergolesi’s ‘Stabat Mater,’ Handel & Philip Glass

https://operawire.com/q-a-countertenor-anthony-roth-costanzo-on-pergolesis-stabat-mater-handel-philip-glass/

Most countertenors make their careers out of singing traditional baroque repertoire. The voice type, so popular during the art form’s formative years, was extremely popular in its day with the major composers assigning leading roles to the countertenor. But that is no longer the case today, the countertenor is seen more as a novelty than a bonafide fixture in the {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Oper Frankfurt 2017-18 Review – Peter Grimes: Spellbinding Performance By Vincent Wolfsteiner Leads Fascinating Portrayal of Britten Masterpiece

https://operawire.com/oper-frankfurt-2017-18-review-peter-grimes-spellbinding-vincent-wolfsteiner-exposes-harshness-of-society/

There may be no more haunting work in opera than Benjamin Britten’s “Peter Grimes,” the story of an outsider accused twice of murder by his community. It has been called the greatest British opera that has ever been written by director Keith Warner, who helmed Oper Frankfurt’s current production of this spellbinding work. “Peter Grimes” is based on an early {…}

On This Day, Special Features

4 Roles Anna Netrebko Sang That Never Received CD Or DVD Releases

https://operawire.com/4-roles-anna-netrebko-sang-that-never-received-cd-or-dvd-releases/

Anna Netrebko is arguably the most famous opera singer currently performing on the opera stage. Born on Sept. 18, 1971, Netrebko has broken many records as she has topped the pop charts in Germany and was the first opera singer to be on the Time’s 100 most influential people. She became the first soprano to headline three opening nights at the Metropolitan {…}

Special Features

Six Sopranos Who Recorded Or Performed ‘Carmen’

https://operawire.com/six-sopranos-who-recorded-or-performed-carmen/

On Sept. 9, 2017, the LA Opera opens its 2017-18 season with a repertory staple, Bizet’s “Carmen.” However, what makes this revival so appealing is the addition of a soprano in the title role instead of a mezzo-soprano. Ana María Martínez takes on the iconic role for the second time after receiving raves at the Houston Grand Opera. With the {…}

Artist of the Week, News

Artist Of The Week: Gerald Finley To Showcase Dramatic Power As ‘Lear’

https://operawire.com/artist-of-the-week-gerald-finley-to-showcase-dramatic-power-as-lear/

This week Aribert Reimann’s “Lear” makes its premiere at the Salzburg Festival in a new production by Simone Stone with Gerald Finley as the title character. The premiere will see Finley in yet another new role as he continues to expand his varied and unique repertoire. For years Finley has been a big proponent of modern and contemporary works, including the {…}

DVD and CD Releases, News

CD/DVD -Week of July 24: Paul Appleby & Anna Pirozzi Lead New Releases

https://operawire.com/cddvd-week-of-july-24-paul-appleby-anna-pirozzi-lead-new-releases/

This week we see two DVDs from last year’s European festivals. One comes from Macerata, while the other comes from Glyndebourne. One of the works on display is a repertory staple while the other is not as famous. Both DVDs star established and up and coming singers. A New Trovatore Verdi’s “Il Trovatore” is arguably one of the most popular {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Verbier Festival 2017 Review – Salome: Charles Dutoit Leads a Robust Cast In Must-Watch Live Stream

https://operawire.com/verbier-festival-2017-review-salome-charles-dutoit-leads-a-robust-cast-in-must-watch-live-stream/

One of the great delights of today’s viewer technology is sitting in your living room, a cup of chocolate in your hand, and, before you, a vibrant, young orchestra, a brilliant and famous conductor, and a dozen notable first-class singers embarked in a world of eroticism with genius music – in other words, “Salome.” Thanks to Medici TV’s ample coverage {…}

News

Weekend Preview – USA (7/7-9): Glimmerglass Festival Opens With ‘Porgy and Bess’

https://operawire.com/weekend-preview-usa-77-9-glimmerglass-festival-opens-with-porgy-and-bess/

The summer continues its torrid pace with a number of major companies showcasing production premieres. The Glimmerglass Festival kicks off its 2017 season on Friday with “Porgy and Bess,” which stars Musa Ngqungwana. The same goes for the Pittsburgh Festival Opera, which debuts that same night with “Sweeney Todd,” which also plays on Sunday. Meanwhile, Des Moines Metro Opera showcases {…}

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